Hospital considers halt to GP blood test service

A leading public hospital has warned it will no longer carry out blood tests for GPs or send staff payslips in the post in an attempt to save frontline services from budget cuts.

In another sign of the tight financial conditions facing the health service, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork City is considering the moves as part of a major cost containment drive.

At a board meeting of the hospital in March, chief executive Gerard O’Callaghan said the policies — which also include plans to increase costs for patients — are needed in light of financial constraints apparent throughout the system.